For most of the South , April brings with it the promise that frost is behind us . For our realm , quaggy weather and even flooding have been the predecessor to natural spring . April will in all likelihood bring in more exhibitor we can capitalise on as the main horticulture time of year catch underway .
Get child in the garden . April has been nickname “ Kids Garden Month , ” so if you have little unity in your life-time , this is a expectant prison term to pay forward your gardening know - how . Growing veg is a great first . You do n’t need a large garden plot . Growing a few thing in containers or even among traditional ornamentals is just ok . Need win over this is a good idea?Studies have shownthat kids ’ involvement in the garden or in acquire their own solid food increases the turn of fruits and vegetable they eat on , increases their preference for vegetables , and increases how much they ask for veg at house .
Prune selectively . Before you prune anything in your garden , take parentage of why you want to slay arm or foliation . If you could come up with a respectable cause to get the pruners out , bonk that timing is everything . As a very general convention of thumb , if a outflow - flowering Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or shrub needs to be pruned , then right when the plant stop bloom is the sound time to do it . This will give it decent time to set blossom buds for you to revel next outflow .
Avoid pruning certain plant . Anything in your garden you would see “ Mediterranean ” is well not dress in April . Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalisand cvs . , zona 8–11 ) , common salvia ( Salvia officinalis , Zones 4–8 ) , lavender ( Lavendulaspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–10 ) , and bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis , Zones 8–11 ) are all well allow for untouched . These plant really need affectionate soil temperatures to be capable to treat being pruned . If prune or cutting back is needed , they will respond far better in May . For more information on these plants , click here .
Direct - sow seed . If you have never done much direct - sowing of seed , this month is your opportunity . verbatim - sow in seeds right into your garden can be comfortable and low-priced . There are many easy - to - grow flowering annuals , vegetables , and herbs you may direct - sow now . Here are a few selections that are particularly easy to grow from seed .
Flowering annuals
Herbs
Vegetables
Garden by moonlight . If you have never grown the yearly moonflower ( Ipomoea alba , Zones 10–12 ) , give it a go this year . Moonflower , moon vine , or belle - Diamond State - nuit is a cranky vine that likes well - drained soils in full sun . prominent , fragrant white-hot flowers bloom at dusk from midsummer into crepuscle . Flowers are known to pull in moth , include the beautiful sphinx moth . Click herefor more data include how to prepare seeded player for planting .
Deter deer . If deer visit your garden , they are hungry . Many are searching for just the right all - you - can - rust - hosta ( Hostaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) buffet to fill their stomach . fawn are just being born , and they are ready to put on weighting . Deer repellents can be a good option when fencing is not possible . have a good scheme to protect your favorite plant is key to achiever . Read more about deer - deterrent strategies here .
April is a fun month in the garden . There is a lot to get accomplished , especially when spring seems to happen all at once . This calendar month will yield to a bounty of beautiful and delicious rewards later in the class . Get your head in the biz — it ’s prison term to garden .
— Andy Pulte is a module member in the plant sciences department at the University of Tennessee .
Fine Gardening Recommended product
Pruning Simplified : A stone’s throw - by - Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receive a commission for item purchase through links on this website , including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising program .
Corona High Performance Orchard pruner
Harper Super Steel 700 - lb . Platform Hand Truck
Get our latest tip , how - to articles , and instructional picture direct to your inbox .
sign you up …
Related Articles
April Garden To-Do List for the Southwest
April Garden To-Do List for the Northeast
April Garden To-Do List for the Southeast
April Garden To-Do List for the Midwest
Join okay Gardening for a barren engaging alive webinar featuring Dr. Janna Beckerman , a renowned plant diagnostician as well as prof emerita at Purdue University and the ornamentals technical manager …
When I spy a exceptional gumption dollar bill cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few months ago , I knew I was in trouble . With a delightful color form …
When we only prioritize flora we need over plants our landscape needs , each season is filled with a never - ending leaning of chores : pruning , filch , watering , treating , amend , and fertilizing , with …
Subscribe today and save up to 47%
Video
Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat
You must be careful when you introduce the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re likely to stumble on something , but because you might be dive - flush it by a brace …
4 Midsummer Favorites From a Plant Breeder’s Garden
Episode 181: Plants You Can’t Kill
Episode 180: Plants with Big, Bold Foliage
4 Steps to Remove Invasive Plants in Your Yard
All Access penis get more
Sign up for afree trialand get access to ALL our regional content , plus the rest of the member - only contentedness library .
Start Free Trial
Get complete site entree to expert advice , regional content , and more , plus the print magazine .
startle your loose trial
Already a member?sign in
Spring-flowering trees like this Venus® dogwood (Cornusx ‘KN30-8’, Zones 6–9) will be flowering this month.Photo: Andy Pulte
Get your kids interested in science and the outdoors through simple gardening projects like starting annuals or veggies from seed.Photo: Andy Pulte
If needed, prune spring-flowering trees right after they finish blooming.Photo: Chris Schlenker
Even if your rosemary has gotten out of hand, wait until the weather is warmer to trim it back.Photo: Michelle Gervais
Some cheery cosmos or other annuals can help fill in flowering gaps of perennials throughout the summer.Photo: Andy Pulte
Moonflowers produce large, pure white flowers that bloom at night. The opening of the flowers is the perfect sight on a warm summer evening.Photo: Joseph Tychonievich
Now is a particularly vulnerable time of year for your hostas. Take a look at online resources to find a deterrent that fits your needs. Pictured is ‘Rainbow’s End’ hosta (Hosta‘Rainbow’s End’, Zones 3–8).Photo: Andy Pulte
